Recipes
Knead Less, Love More: No-Knead Bread in Ceramic Bakeware
How to Make Bread in a Ceramic Pan Like This One
Making homemade bread in a ceramic baking dish, like the one pictured, is a great way to create a beautiful, evenly baked loaf with a soft interior and golden crust. The pan’s thick walls and gentle heat distribution make it ideal for no-knead and artisan-style loaves. Here’s how to get started:
Why Use a Ceramic Pan?
Ceramic retains heat exceptionally well and distributes it evenly, which helps bread rise slowly and bake evenly. The high sides of the pan also help maintain the dough’s shape and create a soft, tender crumb. This type of pan is especially good for no-knead bread or simple rustic boules.
Ingredients for No-Knead Bread
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
Optional: herbs, garlic, cheese, or olives for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Stir in warm water until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. This long rise helps develop flavor and gluten without kneading.
2. Prepare the Ceramic Pan
Lightly grease the inside of your ceramic pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Shape the Dough
After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf. Let it rest for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Ceramic takes longer to heat, so placing it in the oven while it preheats is optional for extra crustiness—but not necessary.
4. Bake the Bread
Place the shaped dough into your ceramic pan. If using a lid or foil, cover the pan for the first 30 minutes of baking to trap steam and encourage oven spring. Remove the lid or foil for the last 15–20 minutes to allow the crust to brown.
5. Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cutting too early can result in a gummy interior.
Tips for Success
- Use a ceramic pan that is oven-safe to at least 450°F.
- Don’t skip the long rest period—the dough needs time to hydrate and develop flavor.
- For a crispier crust, preheat the ceramic pan and spritz the dough with water before baking.
- Take a Look at these other styles to bake beautiful, golden bread in your best-loved baker.
